Transition from 482 visa to PR

The 482 visa has pathways to permanent residency via the Temporary Residence Transition Stream of the Employer Nomination Scheme.

The Temporary Skills Shortage visa Subclass has two streams: the short term stream and the medium term stream. A 482 visa on the medium term stream offers a pathway to permanent residency. Permanent residency entitles you to travel in and out and remain to live and work in Australia indefinitely (conditions apply).

If you have a TSS 482 visa issued through the medium term stream, you are eligible to be sponsored by your employer for a permanent residency visa through the TRT stream. Medium term stream 482 visa holders need to meet the following conditions:

• • You worked for the same sponsor for 3 years on your TSS visa;
    • This means the 482 visa holder has worked for the same employer for at least 3 years. (This is expected to be reduced to 2 years by 2024).YOU
  • You have worked in the same occupation for the three years;
    • The 480s visa holder will need to show they have been performing in the occupation for three years at the time of lodging a transition visa.
  • You have Competent English (at least 6.0 in all parts of IELTS or an equivalent test score, unless you are exempt. This is in contrast to the English requirement for the 482 visa which is an IELTs level 5 equivalent);
    • Some passport holders are exempt from comleting an English language test. UK, Republic of Ireland, Canadian, New Zealand and USA passport holders are among those who are exempt.
  • You have been paid at least the salary confirmed with your 482 application;
    • Holders of 482 visas will need to present salary evidence, like payslips, showing their wages or salary and that it is either the same or above the market rate.
  • You are under 45 years of age at the time of lodging your permanent residency visa.
    • If 482 visa holders on the medium stream are considering permanent residency, its important to lodge any permanent residency visa application before turning 45 years old.

Temporary Residence Transition Stream (TRT Stream)

The Temporary Residence Transition Stream – commonly known as the TRT Stream – is a pathway to the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186).

During the pandemic, this pathway was made available to TSS 482 visa holders on the short term stream. To be eligible, Short term stream 482 visa holders had to be living in Australia for at least one year between 1st February 2020 and 14th December 2021. This pathway is due to expire by 1st July 2024.

If your 482 visa is due to expire, you can still be eligible to be sponsored via the TRT Stream for the Employer Nomination Scheme by ensuring you have Bridging visa A, B or C.

If you meet the criteria above, your employer may be able to sponsor you for permanent residence through the:

Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186)

Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 187)

To learn more about the TRT stream and transitioning from the TSS visa to permanent residency, talk to our registered migration agent to understand your options.

Contact us